The Environment Agency said water levels were expected to continue to rise throughout Sunday into Monday, with new flood alerts in place for the River Thames from Shepperton to Molesey and from Hampton and Thames Ditton to Teddington, plus the Hoe Stream at Woking.

By early February 2014, seven severe flood warnings - meaning danger to life - had been issued and 360 military personnel were drafted in to help protect properties and rescue residents.

A co-ordinated response team - made up of servicemen, police, firefighters, council staff and Environment Agency officers - declared the flooding a "major incident" and more than 2,500 households were put on high alert.

The worst-hit areas were Egham and Staines, where 340 properties were flooded.